New class plans paddle fest

Quincy locals try out some human-powered boats at last year’s Plumas Paddle Fest, presented by the Outdoor Recreation Leadership program of Feather River College. This year’s fest is scheduled for April 26 at the swimming hole near Oakland Camp in Quincy. Photo by James Wilson

James Wilson

Sports Editor

4/18/2014

Feather River College’s Outdoor Recreation Leadership program is once again getting ready for the annual Plumas Paddle Fest. The fest turns 10 years old this year, and to celebrate, organizers are planning more activities for all ages to enjoy.

The outdoor event will take place April 26 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the big swimming hole near Oakland Camp in Quincy. The Paddle Fest was created to promote boater safety awareness and give the community a chance to try various paddling devices free of charge.

Human-powered paddling devices that will be featured include kayaks, rafts and stand-up paddleboards. Demonstrations, instructions and drills will once again take place throughout the event.

A scheduled highlight of this year’s festivities is the rubber ducky race. Contestants can buy a rubber ducky to race for $3, or two for $5. The winner of the race, set to take place at 1 p.m., will win a free stand-up paddleboard rental with a guided tour.

People who simply show up for the event will automatically be entered to win one of several door prizes that include life vests and ORL schwag. Students in the ORL program will be grilling up delicious barbecue through the day, which will be available for sale.

ORL students will also hold a gear sale in conjunction with the Plumas Paddle Fest. The gear sale will take place at Quincy Natural Foods’ learning center April 26 – 27.

Those interested in more information on the event can contact Aaron Stokes at 927-7149 or Renee Mattingly at 916-230-1711 or rejumaster@gmail.com. See sidebar for a schedule of the day’s events.